Sonora Transient Receives Maximum Sentence

Sonora, CA — 27 year old Lawrence Alan Adams was sentenced Monday afternoon to 63 years and eight months to life in state prison by Tuolumne County Superior Court Judge Eric DuTemple for felony vandalism and arson.

Saturday evening, July 7, Adams set a Sonora Police car on fire in the upper employee parking lot. An hour later during the investigation officers noticed Adams in the immediate area. He fit the description that had been given to police. On his person and at his campsite officers found sufficent evidence to tie him to the torching of the vehicle. It was thought that Adams started the fire in retaliation for his Friday evening eviction from a homeless campsite. In addition Adams had spray painted 10 Probation Department vehicles. The exact color spray paint can was found at his campsite.

Adams received the lengthy sentence due to the “three strikes” law. He showed no emotion when the sentence was announced.

Written by Bill Johnson